Let’s Talk Gingerbread Season at DVC Resorts

The holiday season officially started at Walt Disney World on November 14th. However, some of the decorations have run a bit late this year, particularly at some Disney Vacation Club Resorts. A combination of construction, new amenities, and a bit of bad luck has disrupted some plans. So, let’s talk about the gingerbread season at DVC resorts. I’ll warn you that we’ve got a couple of rare disappointments this year.

Do You Want the Good News Or the Bad News?

I’m a big fan of just ripping off the Band-Aid when it comes to bad news. So, I’ll start with a couple of bummers before getting to the good stuff. Two DVC resorts aren’t doing gingerbread displays this year. We knew about one, while the other is a surprise.

The hotel lobby at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has finished its dramatic overhaul. When The Perch opened, it marked the final major update coming to this revered hangout spot. In case you don’t know, The Perch is a new bar sitting right in the hotel lobby. You can check it out here:

Let’s just say that opinions are mixed about this decision, partially because of the noise levels. Then, we have the part that applies to the topic of the day. The Grand Floridian isn’t hosting its Gingerbread House Store this year! We’ve known this for a while, but it’s still a huge bummer. Thankfully, as the video below shows, the hotel lobby has added a giant Christmas tree.

Another DVC resort in the Magic Kingdom area isn’t adding a gingerbread display this year. When Disney announced its holiday plans, it initially indicated that Disney’s Wilderness Lodge would add one. Disney has since removed that listing, with Cast Members confirming there’s no gingerbread construct this year. Nobody’s quite sure what happened there. 

Still, you’ll want to visit the lobby. The majestic floor-to-ceiling Christmas tree is sure to brighten your day. Also, the nature-based holiday decorations here should bring a smile to your face. Here’s a video showing off the beauty of Wilderness Lodge this holiday season:

DVC Hotels Are So Festive

As you can see, even the hotels with “bad news” this holiday season are still overflowing with holiday spirit. Now, we get to the ones where Disney has gone all-out for 2025, starting with Disney’s Contemporary Resort. As usual, the Gingerbread Castle is the star of the show. 

I take the contrarian DVC opinion that the Contemporary’s holiday dessert store is better than the Grand Floridian’s. This year, the Contemporary wins by default, and there’s holiday merch available, too!

Of course, all DVC members love walking around Disney’s BoardWalk at this time of year. Cast Members have decorated the area more than usual, which I hope is the start of a trend. So, make sure to wander around a bit before you head to the two hotels with gingerbread displays.

At Disney’s BoardWalk Villas, you’ll find holiday decorations in the form of Christmas trees, wreaths, and that thing we all love. Yes, the gingerbread version of BoardWalk Deli is back for 2025! Cast Members have even jazzed up the presentation by adding silhouettes of some Disney characters in the windows. You can see it here:

I love that Mickey Mouse spins, while Minnie Mouse looks so fulfilled. Also, I’m in awe of the miniature candies sitting in front of Minnie. The level of detail of Disney’s gingerbread creations defies description. 

Even More Festive Displays!

As proof, you can walk across the bridge from the BoardWalk to Disney’s Beach Club Villas. Here, you’ll find the most wondrous construct of all. Yes, Disney has built a Gingerbread Carousel again this year.

The latest iteration is a bit special, as it’s the 25th version. As this video shows, several of the horses have 25s on them to commemorate the event. In fact, part of the theme is 25, although the horses also celebrate various holiday desserts. Cast Members have even covered one of the horses with gingerbread cookies! 

Note that Disney’s Yacht Club didn’t bring back the Gingerbread Lighthouse this year. However, as usual, there’s a remarkable miniature village on display, complete with Walt Disney-approved tiny train tracks surrounding it. The whole thing is incredible. 

Disneyland Resort fans get their own version, and we all know it well. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa always builds the ultimate Gingerbread House, and the 2025 version is adorable. 

You’ll find a Santa Duck holding a giant bag of presents, members of the Mouse family excitedly sitting by the tree, and a lanky silhouette of a Disney character in chains. If you know, you know. This year’s Gingerbread House is a bit cheekier than usual, and I love that about it. 

As you can see, Disney is in full holiday mode right now. DVC members visiting over the next few weeks will have the time of your lives!

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